The University of New Mexico and New Mexico State University is a rivalry unmatched by few and it dates back to the early days. The first competition began with football on January 1, 1894, which was the Lobos' first competition against another four-year institution. The first basketball game was played on December 22, 1904. The rivalry between the two schools began before the territory of New Mexico became a state in 1912.

The Rio Grande Rivalry is a series between The University of New Mexico and New Mexico State University that encompasses sports for both programs. The Rio Grande Rivalry officially started and was recognized beginning in the 2007-08 academic year. Head to head competition in every sport will be used on an annual basis. The series is not only for the current student-athletes competing in the sports but also to build school spirit and pride in the alumni and fans of New Mexico who cheer for the Lobos or the Aggies. The University of New Mexico has won the Rio Grande Rivalry for all six years the trophy has been available including the 2012-13 season, as it was the largest margin of victory 22.50-4.50 for UNM. The 2011-12 year was the closet margin of victory with UNM winning 15-13.50. In 2010-11, UNM won 18.75-8.50. The score for 2009-10 was 16.50-10.50 in favor of the Lobos. The score for 2008-09 was 17.25-6.75 in favor of the Lobos. The score for 2007-08 was 16.25-6.75 in favor of the Lobos.

The rivalry series is a points-based system and is awarded to the school with the most points in all competitions. The specific scoring system is listed below for individual and teams sports.

At the conclusion of annual competitions between the two institutions, the winner of the "Rivalry Series" will receive a rotating trophy bearing the inscription of the annual winners. The winning institution will retain possession of the trophy for a period of one (1) year, until the award presentation the following year.

2014-15 Sports

Total Points

Points per win

Football

3

3

Men's Basketball

3

1.5

Women's Basketball

3

3

Volleyball

3

3

Baseball

1.5

.75

Softball

1.5

.75

Men's Tennis

1.5

1.5

Women's Tennis

1.5

1.5

Women's Swimming

1.5

1.5

Men's Cross Country

1.5

1.5

Women's Cross Country

1.5

1.5

Men's Golf

1.5

1.5

Women's Golf

1.5

1.5

Women's Soccer

1.5

1.5

Total Points

27

TIE-BREAKER:ALL SPORTS WILL BE PLACED IN A RANDOM DRAWING. THE DRAWING WILL OCCUR UNTIL A SPORT IS DRAWN THAT A SCHOOL WON ALL OF THE POSSIBLE POINTS IN THAT PARTICULAR ATHLETICS YEAR.